"And you know the alternative?"

"Death!"

"And you are prepared to die—so young, so beautiful, to die a traitress?"

"God will forgive me."

"Colonel Don Juan de Alava, on your honour, as a soldier and a gentleman, do you know where this American woman now is?"

"I do know."

"Where is she?"

"Do you think me less firm than a woman?"

"Have you sworn secrecy?"

"I have not sworn."